The Four Functions of Managers
Your readings this week introduced you to the four managerial functions: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. The readings also explained the significance of these four functions to managerial success and the role that personal values play in managing.
Post by Day 3 a 150- to 500-word statement that answers both of the following questions:
• How does each of the four functions of managers contribute to organizational success?
• How might a manager's value system impact her/his approach to the various functions?
Support your work with specific citations from the Learning Resources. You are allowed to draw from additional sources to support your argument, but you must cite all sources using APA standards. All quoted material must be identified, cited, and referenced per APA standards.
You are encouraged to enrich your posting with your personal examples, experience, or insights.
Before you submit your initial post, edit your postings carefully for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
Respond by Day 6 with at least 75 words each to two or more of your colleagues' postings in one or more of the following ways:
• Ask a probing question.
• Share an insight from having read your colleague's posting.
• Offer and support an opinion.
• Make a suggestion.
• Expand on your colleague's posting.
Please note that that you are expected to post and respond to class Discussions a minimum of 2 different days each week (1 day to submit your post, another to respond to your colleagues). Points will be deducted if you do not participate in the course Discussion on at least on 2 days during the week.
Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your posting and responses. Note what you have learned and the insights that you gained as a result of participating in this Discussion.
Application: Manager as a Leader
This week, you have explored the concept of management as both a set of functional tasks and as an extension of the values, ethics, and attitudes of an individual. Now consider the case of Costco Wholesale in Chapter 10 of your course text.
Consider the accomplishments of Jim Sinegal and Craig Jelinek at Costco Wholesale. In your opinion, what character and value traits led them to create and manage this successful company? What guiding principles have these CEOs used to successfully manage and expand this organization? What makes this organization different and successful?
Submit by Day 7 a 300- to 700-word paper which answers all of the following questions:
• How would you describe Craig Jelinek's personality?
• What terminal and instrumental values are likely to be especially important to him as a manager?
• How would you describe Costco's organizational culture?
• What role do you think Jim Sinegal and Craig Jelinek played in creating and maintaining Costco's organizational culture?
• Which of your specific values will be evident in the way that you will manage? Why?
Application Assignments must be in APA style and format.Information on APA is available at the Walden Writing Center.
In addition to fully answering the assignment's questions, each Assignment will be evaluated for clarity of writing, critical analysis of the issues, proper use of references to support the positions taken, and adherence to APA standards. Also see this assignment's rubric, provided in the Course Information area.